Broncos offense hasn't been this bad since Tim Tebow

Before Tim Tebow fans get too upset, I’m going to clarify right away that the following statement is a fact, not an opinion.

In terms of first downs, the Broncos’ offense against the Jaguars was the worst it’s been since the Tebow era. According to Pro Football Reference (via Broncos reporter Andrew Mason), Sunday “saw Denver produce their lowest first down total” since Tebow’s first NFL start against the Raiders in 2010.

That’s bad.

Per @pfref, @Broncos now 6-30-1 when held to 10 or fewer 1st downs. Sunday saw DEN's lowest 1st-down total since Tebow's 1st start in 2010.

To be fair, Tebow had some great moments with the Broncos, and he helped turn around a 2011 season that started off horribly. But when Tebow was off, he was terribly off.

That fact that Denver is now putting up numbers comparable to that era is an alarming sign for the offense. Thankfully, there’s some hope of improvement with the possible return of Trevor Siemain this week.

With Siemain recovering from a sprained left foot last week, rookie Paxton Lynch started in Week 13 and proved once again that he’s not ready to play in the NFL. Lynch’s wild inaccuracy played a big role in Denver’s poor offensive showing.